I think it here desirable to observe, that it is prudent before a
battle to fix upon some point in rear of the reserve for the junction
of the different detachments; for if, from unforeseen circumstances,
these detachments should be prevented from joining before the action
has commenced, they might be exposed, in case a retrograde movement
should be found necessary, to the masses of the enemy. It is desirable
also to keep the enemy in ignorance of these reinforcements, in order
to employ them with greater effect. “A seasonable reinforcement,” says
Frederick, “renders the success of a battle certain, because the enemy
will always imagine it stronger than it really is, and lose courage
accordingly.”